Today's episode is a special one, several years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing John Wells, a true pioneer in the tiny house movement. John first caught my attention through his insightful comments on my Facebook posts about building my own tiny house. As I dug deeper into his profile, I realized he was the real deal - someone who had fully embraced the off-grid, minimalist lifestyle.
While we initially decided not to release our conversation, recent events have changed my perspective. Sadly, I learned of John's passing through this month's Tiny House Magazine, where he was mentioned as an early influence for Andrew and Laura Lavoie. This news prompted me to revisit our interview, and I was struck by how valuable and inspiring our discussion truly was.
In this episode, we'll explore John's remarkable journey from living in a 2800 square foot house to embracing life in a 128 square foot tiny home on the remote Terlingua Ranch in Southwest Texas. John shares practical steps he took to make this dramatic transformation, offering a wealth of tips for anyone interested in off-grid living.
Throughout our conversation, John's unique approach to simple living and his authentic personality shine through, providing invaluable insights for those considering a similar lifestyle change. Though recorded a while ago, John's wisdom remains as relevant and thought-provoking as ever.
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Over the past decade, Jenna has expanded her influence through her amazingly popular YouTube channel, Tiny House Giant Journey, which showcases unique tiny house tours and stories. We'll discuss the challenges of maintaining and repairing a tiny house, especially when it's used primarily as a vacation rental, but it wasn't built as one initially. Jenna will also share the incredible stories behind some of the most remarkable tiny houses she has encountered, including one nestled in an animal sanctuary. Whether you're a tiny house veteran or just curious, you'll find plenty of inspiration and practical insights in today's episode.
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This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp at precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
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Candace and her husband have a unique story, having coordinated their tiny house build in the United States while still living in South Africa entirely via WhatsApp video calls. With a background as a declutter coach, life coach, retreat leader, and yoga teacher, Candace brings us insights on how to create a life filled with intentionality and joy. We'll dive into her journey from South Africa to the United States, explore the impact of decluttering on mental and emotional well-being, and get inspired by her advice for those considering the tiny house lifestyle. Stay tuned as we learn from Candace's experience and enthusiasm for creating a life you'll love.
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Visit the website for full transcript, photos, links and resources from this episode.
This Week's Sponsor:
This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp, that's precisiontemp.com, and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
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Emily Gerde and her husband Justin, son Wyatt, three cats and one dog live in a 325 square foot tiny house on wheels. Emily is the author of Minimalist Living for a Maximum Life, which provides insight on their tiny house journey and how a minimalist, organic, holistic, mindful lifestyle led to a life of their dreams.
What's it like raising a minimalist family with plans to grow in tiny house? How do you keep the intake of stuff to a minimum while creating an enriching experience for your children? I'll ask Emily those questions and more.
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Lil Wing is a metal triangle on wheels with a putting green grass landing, and it was the most unique tiny house I saw at Big Mass Festival. The builder, Chris Schapdick of Tiny Industrial, specializes in smaller tiny homes that are easy to tow. In addition, he is the author of two books about tiny house living. In this conversation, weโll cover the ins and outs of building towable tiny houses, why Chris decided to share his process on Instructables, and what we can look forward to in his book release.
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I am excited to introduce you to Kaylee, a passionate advocate for the tiny house movement and a biology teacher with a deep interest in sustainable living. Kaylee will share the inspiring saga of her journey building her own tiny house and how it reshaped her perspective on simple, ecological living. We'll dig into the challenges she faced from zoning laws to financial hurdles and how these experiences fueled her advocacy for tiny house legalization. Kaylee's story is not just about building a small home, but about building a life aligned with values of minimalism and sustainability. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of tiny house living and learn from Kayleeโs relentless pursuit of her dreams against all odds.
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MJ Boyle is a mastermind in the tiny house community and the founder of several successful tiny house businesses, including My Tiny House Village and Oregon Teardrop Rentals. MJ has not only built and rented out nine unique tiny homes but has just embarked on transforming a construction trailer into an alluring tiny home called โMy Tiny Bunkhouse.โ
In today's episode, MJ will share her innovative approach to waterless and odorless toilet systems that enhance both guest and staff experiences. We'll also delve into the art of rehabilitating and renovating tiny structures, a skill MJ has honed over years of experience, turning dilapidated shells into dream homes with sustainable practices. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on maintaining high occupancy rates, exceptional guest satisfaction, and the strategic intricacies of managing multiple tiny house locations efficiently. Itโs a packed interview you won't want to miss!
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Today, we have a very special guest, Lucy Lich, joining us from the South Coast of New South Wales Australia. Lucy is not only a dedicated tiny house dweller, but also a teacher, wellness enthusiast, and the host of the Tiny House Conversations podcast. Over the next hour, we'll dive into how living tiny has profoundly integrated with her values of minimalism, health and environmental consciousness. Lucy will share her personal journey into tiny living, her insights on designing for health and minimizing environmental impacts, and how her experiences have shaped her podcast. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and joys of tiny living with an expert who lives and breathes this lifestyle every day.
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Janet Thome is deeply involved in the tiny house movement, leading the Tiny House Alliance USA and serving as the membership secretary of the ASTM International Tiny House Subcommittee. In this episode, Janet will share insights into the current state of the tiny house market, the impact of recent economic shifts, and the ongoing efforts to develop standards that ensure safety, affordability, and compliance in the industry. Sheโll also discuss the importance of certification for owner-builders and the essential role of inclusive regulations. Join us as we dive deep into these topics and explore the future potential of tiny house living with Janet Thome.
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Today we delve into the story of a listener turned tiny home owner, Maegan Bell. Maegan is an active duty Army logistics officer who's going to share with us how she exchanged the blueprints of a traditional house for the compact efficiency of a custom-built tiny home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. We'll explore the challenges of setting up utilities, the joys of bringing family closer together, and how tiny homes can offer a unique solution for military families on the move. Maegan's journey is filled with insights and practical advice for anyone considering this lifestyle. So if you're curious about the tiny house movement or looking for tips on how to make it work for your family, stay tuned for this fascinating conversation.
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Today we're exploring the cozy nooks of park model tiny homes with Cindy Ballaro. Cindy is not only a resident of a charming tiny home, but also a multipreneur who wears many hats including that of a publisher and marketer. Living in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, Cindy has turned her sunflower-themed tiny house into a haven for both living and Airbnb guests. She's going to share with us the unique benefits and challenges of choosing a park model over a traditional towable tiny house, and how this lifestyle complements her entrepreneurial endeavors. So if you're intrigued by the community living aspect of tiny houses or are considering a park model for your own downsized life, this episode is for you.
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I am thrilled to introduce our guest, Mike Crowhurst, a seasoned tiny house dweller and the creative mind behind one of the most unique tiny homes Iโve seen in a while! Mike and his wife Heidi spent three years crafting a 45-foot ex-refrigerated semi-trailer into a gorgeous tiny home. Throughout this episode, we'll dive into Mike's journey of tiny house living, exploring not just the practical aspects like custom cabinetry and space-saving features like an innovative elevator bed, but also the sustainable lifestyle that drives him. We'll also get into the nitty-gritty of converting a semi-trailer into a comfortable and functional living space, addressing the challenges and rewards such a project brings. So buckle up as we get a tour of Mikeโs impressive tiny house and learn how he has optimized every inch of his home for maximum living.
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Judy comes to us with 36 years of experience as a custom builder and remodeler, with a passion for well-appointed, smaller living spaces. We'll dive into her expert advice on maximizing functionality without sacrificing style and comfort, and explore her journey from a 4,000 square foot dwelling to her favorite 1,100 square foot home. From Murphy beds to curated maximalism, Judy is here to share her wealth of knowledge on living intentionally within our means. So get ready to learn from Judy's inspiring experiences and practical tips on downsizing your space, but not your life.
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Full show notes, photos, links and resources available at www.thetinyhouse.net/judy-granlee-gates
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Today, I'll be talking with Elizabeth, one of the team members behind a new and innovative entry into the world of compost toilets, the Throne Composting Toilet. Throne offers both a ready made AND DIY solution to the traditional compost toilet that promises ease and simplicity. We'll delve into the nuts and bolts of building your own compost toilet using Throneโs DIY kit, tackle common problems with existing designs, and explore the benefits and drawbacks of different styles of compost toilet. Our guest Elizabeth lived full time with her family in their self-built skoolie, and went through three different compost toilet designs before finally settling on the Throne. Whether or not youโre currently in the market for a compost toilet, Stay tuned as Elizabeth shares wisdom from life on the road, and the doโs and donโts for successful compost toilet in your home.
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For full show notes, photos, links and resources visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/elizabeth
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I'm thrilled to have you join us for another adventure into the fascinating world of compact and conscious living. Today we're venturing off the beaten path and into the realm of off-grid living with our inspiring guest, Reesa, who has carved out her own piece of paradise on a multi-generational homestead. Throughout our conversation, we'll uncover the nuts and bolts of Reesa's journey, from the inspirations that sparked her transition to a scaled-down, sustainable lifestyle, to the practicalities of building an affordable tiny home from an Amish-built shed shell. We'll dive into her low-tech solutions for heating, water storage, and even delve into the world of humanure composting. Get ready to be enlightened and maybe even a bit envious of the simplicity and beauty that off-grid living can offer, as we explore how Reesa and her son make the most out of their tiny house and the land they call home.
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For full show notes, photos, links and resources visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/reesa
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Over the past five years, Kim DeLaney has made strides in transforming the traditional housing model by utilizing her business savvy and passion for sustainability to champion tiny home communities. Kim DeLaney is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of HaZi Enterprises and the Executive Director of Tiny House Big Movement.
From changing municipal ordinances to negotiating real estate development deals, she's on the forefront of creating affordable equitable housing solutions. We're going to dive into her journey exploring how a crisis during the pandemic turned into an innovative approach to housing and her ambitious plans for the future, including her work with sustainable materials like hemp and bamboo, and the upcoming Carolina Tiny House Festival, which is April 12 through 14th that Kim is organizing.
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Visit the website for the full show notes, photos, links and resources www.thetinyhouse.net/289
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Sophia and Henry self-designed and built their 28โฒ THOW in Northern Minnesota, where they experience a full range of seasons, including a very cold and long winter. We start with an in-depth discussion of how they are staying warm in their tiny house and preventing their water from freezing on the way in and the way out. If you're thinking of living in a cold climate, this is not to be missed. From there, we turn to rethinking the American dream and a discussion about values, lifestyles, and where a tiny house fits in for a young couple. Don't miss this interview with Sophia and Henry Jungbauer!
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Erin Maile O'Keefe is a talented designer who designed and built the Paper Boat tiny house for herself and her husband, where they live in the backyard of a house that they own. In this conversation we'll break down the Paper Boat design and share some of the ways that Erin thinks about designing tiny spaces so that they work for the occupants in the process.
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Get inspired to build with repurposed materials and introduce yourself to the world of food freedom. Rob Greenfield is not a conventional kind of guy. Heโs currently living in a tiny house that he built with 99% repurposed materials. He doesnโt have running water in the house and his current project is called food freedom. Heโs growing and foraging for 100% of his food for an entire year.
Even if you donโt plan on living off grid or foraging for your own food, this is a really unique and interesting interview. Robโs mindset, enthusiasm, and positivity is much needed and will inspire you on whatever tiny house journey you are planning to embark on.
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Malissa and Chris Tack did one of the first tiny house builds to be fully documented in photographs every day. I remember poring through their daily time-lapses to figure out how they did certain things. Their beautiful design included dormers in the loft, which inspired my tiny house and countless others. Malissa is here to tell us the story of her tiny house journey and how the house has continued to support their family as it has grown.
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This episode features Jody Brady. In 2014, after living in a series of traditionally scaled houses, Jody and her husband Bill decided it was time to "right-size" their living space. They designed and built their tiny home in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, and they've been living tiny for two and a half years.
In this interview, we get into what itโs like to go tiny as a couple at retirement age, but who certainly arenโt โretiredโ in the traditional sense. Weโll talk about what โrightsizingโ is and how you can get rid of things that you no longer need that are standing in your way.
For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/jody
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Itโs not just about finances. Though many people are drawn to tiny house living for the financial benefits, living tiny has a way of changing the way you look at everything in your life.
Living tiny for 3.5 years has had a lasting impact on my guest, Alek Lisefski. In this conversation, weโll talk about those changes, plus what Alek learned from having two significant relationships in a tiny house.
For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/alek
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This episode features an incredible guest. Joining me is Kai, who's not only living in a house truck but has a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of this unique lifestyle. We'll explore Kai's journey, from finding and customizing a commercial truck to navigating the practical challenges of living in her unique tiny home. Kai will share their experiences with insulation, maintenance, and the daily joys and hardships of the tiny life. Get ready to be inspired and informed by Kai's fascinating insights into the world of house trucks and the tiny house movement.
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For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit www.thetinyhouse.net/288
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Tiffany DaSilva is a passionate real estate investor and loan officer with a love for tiny living. She's here to share her incredible journey of building her own twenty by eight and a half foot handcrafted tiny house while she was still in high school. Tiffany's story is truly inspiring from learning carpentry, plumbing and electrical work to overcoming challenges and societal prejudice as a young female builder. Her perseverance and dedication to tiny living are sure to inspire and educate us all.
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Iโm sharing my own captivating [and slightly humorous] tale of dealing with unexpected visitors in my tiny house. It all starting with light scratching sounds, which led to the shocking discovery of these unexpected guests. In this episode, I am walking you through the entire process of diagnosing, cleaning, and ultimately sealing off the entry points for these tiny intruders. With valuable lessons and practical advice for both builders and current tiny house dwellers, letโs explore the importance of preemptive measures and the necessity of addressing pest issues promptly. Stay tuned for helpful insights and a real-life tale of tiny house pest control adventure.
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